The meeting began with the approval of the November 17th meeting minutes, claims, and payroll claims.
Chris Ramey, President of the Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter (FOGDCAS), attended the Commissioners meeting alongside Elizabeth Walden of Girl Scout Troop 909 to request approval for installing “Pet Pit Stops” at the Decatur County Annex, with the potential for a future installation at the Greensburg–Decatur County Animal Shelter.
Ramey explained that while FOGDCAS does not manage or oversee shelter operations, the organization supports the shelter through fundraising efforts and by responding to identified needs. He shared a story from his time as the shelter’s grant writer, when an elderly woman arrived prepared to surrender her dog due to not being able to afford pet food until her next Social Security check. The shelter director intervened, offered a small bag of food, and ultimately kept the pet with its owner. Ramey emphasized that helping families keep their pets at home reduces intake pressure on the shelter and benefits the entire community. This initiative is just another opportunity to help the shelter move forward.
Elizabeth, a Greensburg High School student working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, has chosen this project as her service initiative. She will design, fundraise for, and construct the Pet Pit Stops—small pantry-style boxes like existing community food pantries—working closely with her uncle, a contractor. The project will be fully funded through FOGDCAS and fundraising efforts that Elizabeth organizes. This project will come at no cost to taxpayers or the county. Ramey emphasized that the purpose of the Pet Pit Stops is not to divert donations from the shelter, but to offer an additional resource for residents experiencing short-term financial hardship. He added that FOGDCAS will work closely with the Shelter to ensure the project supports—rather than impacts—the shelter’s existing donations. The Pet Pit Stops will operate off of donations and checked by the FOGDCAS board and volunteers.
The anticipated completion date for the project is April 1, 2026. After hearing the proposal, the Commissioners unanimously agreed that it is a valuable initiative and approved placement of the Pet Pit Stops at the Decatur County Annex, with the option for future placement at the animal shelter if needed.
Todd Houk, Highway Department stated that they have continued regular maintenance, patching, sign and road maintenance. He attended along with other employees attended Winter Operations training in Seymour where they met with INDOT and National Weather Service. Todd stated that he has submitted the final documents for the FEMA grant request that they submitted from storm damage earlier this year. He states that he turned over documents speaking about railway damage on 350W to Chad Smith, County Attorney to review. Todd stated that they submitted for the Highway Safety Improvement Program for a grant. They were asked to continue their grant, and it is due on December 5, 2025.
Todd stated they have trucks out and began pre-treating roads at 4pm this evening and they will continue. Todd stated that they received an award letter for CCMG 2026-1 in the amount of $491,348.23.
Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner President explained a new way to report concerns with roadways. You go to- Decatur County, Indiana, Click on Offices and find “Highway”. Click Highway and under forms you will find a clickable link that says- “Report a Road Issue”.
The Commissioners approved the CDL program, which outlines the process for employees to obtain their CDL through county-supported training. The program also specifies the reimbursement requirements for employees who leave county employment before completing four years of service.
When the commissioners began discussing the Reassessment Bid Awards for the Assessor’s office. Commissioner President Jeremy Pasel stated that after review by their attorney it was found that Tyler Technologies did not include item 19 which was required to be submitted and therefore the bid is a non-conforming bid and should be excluded from the process. With Tyler Technologies being out of the process, Ad Valorem was the next lowest bid at $486,720. The commissioners voted to award the bid to Ad Valorem.
Bryan Robbins, Parks Board came to the commissioners to discuss allowing the Parks Department Director to take his county assigned vehicle home which is in Bartholomew County. Bryan states that Noblitt is searching for a home in Decatur County. This was unanimously approved by the Parks Board to take this request to the commissioners. The commissioners approved this request until June 30, 2026.
Jeremy Pasel stated that through the fundraising campaign for the Fairgrounds Building Rentals questions have come up about those donors receiving free rentals. They are going to be working on a tiered payment schedule. The commissioners spoke about buildings and who will rent and at what costs. They will need to discuss this more at length and come to a decision.
The commissioners voted to re-appoint several board appointees to local boards. Rick Hoeing has asked to be replaced on the Board of Zoning Appeals and not re-appointed. Also, Daniel Fayette has asked to be replaced by the Tourism Board and not be re-appointed.
Todd Mauer expressed his willingness to be reappointed to the Area Plan Commission. However, County Attorney Chad Smith noted that Mauer currently serves on both the Decatur County School Board and the Area Plan Commission, and a recent concern has been raised about a potential conflict in holding both positions simultaneously. The Commissioners voted to table the reappointment until they can further review the issue and speak with Mauer directly.
Chris Ramey – WTRE News
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